Can you imagine?

Hi friends Happy Monday! xoxo How was your weekend? Fun I hope :) So I was out walking with a fabulous friend of mine yesterday morning along Elwood Beach... and I asked her a question I actually ask in the first chapter of my book. I asked her, "What would you do if you had unlimited finances and you never had to work again...?"

As we took a few moments and allowed the enormity of the question to soak in, (whilst power walking super-passionately along the Brighton-Elwood coast path of course) we found ourselves launching into the most wonderful conversation. Full of imagination, and without limits, the lid was taken off. We were like excited little girls dreaming of travel, businesses, new creative ideas, blessing people extravagantly, and living in abundance.

Imagination is the key. Walt Disney saw Cinderella's Castle in his mind before building it. Look at this blueprint below, this is what he imagined. Now compare it to the first photo. Imagination brings the dream to life.  

So what about you? Can you imagine? Would you know how to answer this question? What would you do with unlimited finances and resources? We are often quick to shut down our ideas due financial limitations before our minds get a chance to begin to dream. But this week is different. This week... it's time to fly.

Give it a go! Go on... as you start this week afresh, take a moment now to realign your thinking with God's thoughts, and really ask yourself these questions:

1. What does my dream life look like?

2. What did I want to do/be when I was little?

3. What is the main thing stopping me from living your dreams?

4. Again, if I had unlimited finances and resources, what would I do? (Remember... think BIG. As in MASSIVE).

Because do you know what? Even though we are often limited by finances and time and people and resources, God is not. He has all of the above in unlimited supply... and it's fully accessible to us at any time! So, it's up to us to renew our thoughts and think with an "abundance mindset".

My book, "Anything Can Happen" talks lots about this, it's all about abundance and imagining and seeing the dream before it becomes reality. (I am in the process of editing it at the moment and I can't wait to show you!) :)  xo

So friends... this week, as we look forward at this magnificent year ahead of us, let's set aside some time (even if it's just 30 minutes) to DREAM. Whether it be in a cafe, a park, a restaurant or in your bedroom... just like with Walt Disney, things happen when we dream. So let your imagination run absolutely wild... because anything can happen. ;) 

Cheering you on as you imagine and dream this week!

Love Nat xo

xox

Images - via Pinterest

Just chase the one rabbit.

Hi friends! Who's a little bit excited it's just seventeen sleeps til Christmas! So I was thinking about what I'd like to write for today's blog, and I remembered something one of my very good friends has said to me many times (and he's German so he's very smart!) :: "if you chase two rabbits both will escape". Have you ever heard this statement made?

Well never mind two rabbits, I've felt like I've been chasing about seven rabbits of late! What about you? Maybe you've tried "multi-tasking", only to find both tasks either got done half-heartedly, or not at all? Then... all of a sudden all the rabbits you were chasing were gone!

So it's been five weeks since I've returned from New York, and I've got lots of exciting creative projects buzzing around in my mind... ready to be birthed. However, I've found that over the past few weeks I have been so focused on so many of these exciting projects, that none of them have actually progressed as far as I would have hoped! Maybe you know what I mean... You start one thing, then you think of something else, so you move onto that, then suddenly you think "oh I'll just stop that and quickly do this" and before you know it nothing is actually getting done!

So what's the answer? Well, I am not saying multi-tasking is not the way to go. For smaller, urgent things, multi-tasking is often a great option, however I think the key to successfully completing any large, important project is focus.

Focus means :: "to cause something, such as our attention, to be directed at something specific". But it also has another meaning, "to adjust our eyes, and to make an image clear". (Source) How cool is that. :) So basically, focus is HOW we see (with wisdom) and WHAT we see (with clarity). So friends... let's take a step back and help each other out with this okay? :) 

This week let's...

1. Stop, and take the pressure off ourselves.

 Creative projects are fun, but they require focus and they cant be rushed.

So take a breather and just rest.

2. Hang out with God and listen to his still small voice. 

As we are still in his presence, his peace comes. 

It's in this place of peace we know what to put our hand to.

3. Focus on 'that thing' and stick to it until it is done.

A mountain is never climbed by taking two steps forward and four steps back. 

As we stick to the path and keep moving forward, we will reach the peak! 

4. Remember if we mess up it's okay!

So don't worry, if we find ourselves overwhelmed chasing five rabbits that all 

escape, it's all good! We just skip back to number 1 and start over he he ;) xo 

5. There is plenty of time.

Sometimes it feels like we are running out of time, which is why we 

often 'chase so many rabbits'...  but God's timing is perfect and we are right 

on schedule. So let's just enjoy today hey... ;) 

Have a WONDERFUL week my precious ones! The world needs what you have to give today, so sow seeds of generosity wherever you go :)

Love Nat xoxo

Images via Pinterest 

Love from NYC :: I did it.

On the 31^st of January 2014 on my way to a New Years Eve party in Melbourne, I declared that I would go to New York City to write my book. And here I am eleven months later, sitting at Vancouver airport (surrounded with way too much luggage for my liking oh dear) shaking my head with amazement and thankfulness at what has just taken place. I actually did it. I rented an apartment and went to New York on my own and wrote my book. How crazy!

Like many people on New Year’s Eve, thoughts of expectation and anticipation of a brand new year filled my mind. All of a sudden I allowed myself to dream and thoughts possibility overwhelmed me. I love how God is always ready to stir up our dreams. All it takes is for us to stop, and dream and think, “what if….?!” So as I was dreaming, my mind began to expand and I thought, “I should just go somewhere for two months this year and write my book.” Not a bad idea right? Stirred with a passion so great I thought I might explode, I pulled over on the side of the street, grabbed my phone and began writing two emails. 

Thinking without limits allows us to dream. 

“No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it - what God has arranged for those who love him!” (1 Cor 2:9 Msg) 

In this place of dreaming, faith is easy and big dreams actually feel within reach. I thought “what the heck”,  bit the bullet and emailed the wonderful Lynette Lewis and Jen Ramos, two amazing women I had met in 2013 on a trip to New York. Their lives had inspired me so much so I thought I would connect with them and share my heart and let them know I might be coming to the city later in the year. Speaking out your dream is like sowing a seed. I believe those emails written in faith shifted my dream from ‘something in my head’ to ‘something that was actually happening!’. Here's a pic of the lovely Jen and I...

And spending some time with the beautiful Lynette...

And this is when my friend Nic came for a visit!

So with my own little ‘schedule and plan’ in place, I soon discovered that quick answers are not always God’s plan. (Ha!) So as the months went on I kept declaring anything can happen, telling people about this dream and speaking it out, and declaring it over myself. There were days where I openly said to The Lord, “um… okay… I’m not sure what the delay is here? I am not really hearing anything from you, so I guess I’m not supposed to go to New York.” But even on the days when I wasn’t sure, I always had a feeling deep in my gut, drawing me to there. So from January until August my declaration was that “somehow” I was going to New York for two months to write my book. 

So even though I was declaring in faith that anything could happen, many many things were taking my attention and causing me to worry. All of a sudden the initial joy of going on such a wild adventure was overtaken with fear and anxiety. Thoughts like “oh no, Nat you’re not going to make any friends. Where are you going to live? Your apartment is going to be miles from anywhere and it’s not going to be beautiful at all. Um, and how are you going to write a book?” 

What the heck?! Clearly these are lies. I am sure you have experienced something like this as you have stepped out in faith. How annoying is it?! But these lies were just confirmations I was on the right track, and if you are experiencing thoughts like this, then so are you!

So now I am looking back at what has taken place. Honestly my friends, it’s been the most extravagant, ridiculous adventure of my life and I can’t wait to share more of it with you as the weeks go on. I have written so much of the book “Anything Can Happen”, which is great, but as always God has gone above and beyond with friendships, my apartment, and more extravagant and fancy outings and experiences than I could ever have imagined in my lifetime.

So let me encourage you (and me too for this new season!) let’s stir it up and see these amazing dreams in our hearts come to pass!! Here are some things that helped me see my dream happen this year.

1. Understand the power of your declaration.

2. Keep the vision in front of you. (Hab 2:2)

3. Shift your thinking to the point where you believe anything can actually happen.  (Romans 12:2)

4. Take the limits off financially, mentally, emotionally, logistically, geographically and physically.

5. Have specific dreams and be specific with God in asking for them.

6. Picture it in your mind and keep seeing it until it comes to pass.

7. Expect crazy, ridiculous favour.

So be ready, things are shifting in your life and I am excited for you! Well my dear friends, my flight is boarding now so I am on the home stretch... just 20 hours to go lol!

Love you lots and have a beautiful day!

Love Nat xoxo

Just enjoy the moment.

Hi friends how are you?! :) After a few weeks travelling along Alaska's Inside Passage visiting Haines, Wrangell and Prince Rupert then through the Rockies, I'm now in Vancouver. Ah I love this city. Well, it does help that it's summer and the weather is stunnnn-ning at the moment :) 

So do you ever find yourself thinking ahead and planning for the next thing, while you're actually still in the middle of something else? Well I do. It's kind of like I'm half enjoying the moment, but then I'm half in the future at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, last night after a few long travel days, I went for a run along the waterfront. I wanted to make the most of the balmy summer night and it was just so gorgeous. After running for a bit, I sat down on a bench overlooking the marina at Coal Harbour, when suddenly my mind began to tick. 

One second I was running along the water, the wind in my hair, enjoying the moment, and then all of a sudden I was in a spiral of thoughts twirling around and around like a tornado. Thoughts like, "okay tomorrow we're doing this... and then next week I have to arrange this... and then next weekend I'll be getting to New York... and then oh my gosh I have to arrange that..." What the heck?! And all the while I was sitting on a stunning harbour, looking at this view...

Then I heard that still small voice say... Nat, stay in the moment. :)

Oh my gosh! That very second I wanted to slap myself! There I was watching one of the most breathtaking sights of my adventure thus far... and my mind was off with the pixies! So right away I captured my 'slightly-psycho' runaway thoughts and I stopped. As if talking to a child I said to myself, "Natalie, look where you and let's just stay here for now!" Instantly my eyes were drawn to a boat sailing away in the distance. Then to some ducks swimming leaving a ripple behind. Then I spotted some girlfriends walking along laughing. Then along came some kids skipping. I inhaled a big breath... and just sat.

How much more is there for us when we actually stay in the moment? We need to be aware, because tomorrow often tries to rob today of it's joy. But let's not worry about tomorrow, or next week, or next month. 

"Let us not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, definite requests with thanksgiving, continue to make our requests known to God... 

And his peace shall be yours. That peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  What a promise hey. :)

So let's stay in the moment today. Take a moment to go for a walk... Grab a coffee on your own and just people watch... Put your phone away and look up to the sky (it's amazing how gorgeous the tops of buildings are if you just look!)... Go to a new park at lunchtime and lay on the grass... Spend ten minutes chatting to someone new... Stop and take in the view around you...

You don't have to rush ahead. You have permission to stop and enjoy now, because all too soon that moment will be gone. I have four days left leading this tour, but I am not thinking about what's ahead, I'm thinking about now. We are about to head out on a city tour of Vancouver which will be fun. So I am going to stop in each moment, enjoy every new sight and smell... and hang out with some amazing people.

Have an awesome day my friends. Sending you lots of love from Canada :)

Nat xxx

Ps here are some pics from my Alaska and Canada journey so far... 

(more pics on my Instagram - @thewritersink)

Bears eating salmon at AnAn Bear Observatory. (Wrangell, Alaska)

About to jump on a light plane and fly up to the Arctic Circle. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Real live glacial ice! (Shakes Lake, Wrangell, Alaska)

Mendenhall Glacier. (Juneau, Alaska)

Relaxing by the creek. (Denali, Alaska)

The colours of Dawson. (Dawson City, Canada)

One of my favourite views. (Wrangell, Alaska)

The leaning tower of Dawson. (Dawson City, Canada)

 The stunning Chena River. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

 Cute Pioneer Park. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

 A little friend I found along the way. (Somewhere in Alaska)

 Stikine River jet boat cruise. (Wrangell, Alaska)

The gorgeous Canadian Rockies

A little blurry as this was taken from the train, but this is with NO filter!!

Stay tuned for more fun pics :) xoxo

Images - all Nat Box

Take a Risk.

Welcome to Monday my friends! I wonder what excitement awaits us this week? Awaiting me at the end of this week is a big aeroplane that I will be jumping onto and flying across the other side of the world to see my beautiful friend Miriam get married! :) It's very exciting. So three of my friends and I are jet-setting across to the UK to stand next to her on her special day (wearing very pretty dresses of course!) We haven't seen her for two and a half years, so I am picturing our airport reunion to be an 'extra-squeally-scream-and-hug-fest'... just like a scene out of Love Actually!

So, I've been thinking about the second half of this year and what it's going to hold, and for me personally I'm not quite sure, but I really sense a great expectation for something amazing. What about you? What are you expecting? Something new and fun maybe? What could that new thing be for you? Maybe you'll step out... Maybe you'll discover a treasure... Maybe you'll get a new idea... Maybe you'll travel... Whatever it is, when was the last time you followed your heart and took a risk? 

So don't hold back. 

Because YOU, my friend, can do ALL things through him who strengthens you!

I love this. So if you are realizing you need to go out on that limb today, just remember I am cheering you on and I think you are incredible! Go you!

Love Nat xoxo

Images - Pinterest

Six little encouragements for you.

Okayyyyy call me crazzzy, but the fact that we are only four months away from summer is just a tad exciting for me! << insert crazy tongue poking out emoticon here >> Alright alright, I know I am jumping the gun a bit here, but think about it... June 21 was four days ago... That's the shortest day of the year... So guess what that means? Yep that's right. The days get longer and warmer from here on in. Hello. Woo hoo! 

And just like summer is coming, so are our promises. Yep. Your promises and mine. God promises that "we are the receivers of great and precious promises", so just as we get excited and know summer is coming, we can rest assured that our great God has everything perfectly planned. He's working behind the scenes in our situation right now. Just look at the sun in the sky. Every time it sets it's a confirmation of his goodness. 

So here are six little things to encourage you in whatever season you are in:

1. Write five things you are thankful for today.

Thankfulness shifts atmospheres and gives us new eyes to see.

2. Joyfully look forward to the season ahead.

Expectation releases the miraculous.

3. Don't be distracted or discouraged in the wait. 

Focus is the key. And God is always really great at helping us with this.

4. Sow seeds for the next season. 

Whether it's finance, time, acts of service, or love... your seed releases your breakthrough.

5. Expect surprises everyday.

Let's learn from kids. They are always expecting fun and wonder. 

6. Don't wait for summer to come to dance... dance in the rain!!

That's right! It's time to seize the moment. Carpe diem!

So have a beautiful day my friends. Be encouraged, wherever you go you have the ability to release love and joy, so let's be extravagant with our giving.

Happy Wednesday :)

Love Nat xox

Images - Pinterest

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